Tight ends are unpredictable commodities in fantasy football leagues, as their roles in their respective offenses can change dramatically from week to week. Many are gifted athletes capable of dominating, but consistency often hinges on usage and their own ability to harness that athleticism.

For every Jimmy Graham, there's a Jared Cook. Athleticism can be raw and volatile, leaving just a handful of truly dynamic, reliable performers in fantasy football. You'll see those select few rise to the top on a weekly basis, and Week 10 is no different.

While Graham is a cut above the rest, veterans Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates maintain their rightful place in this week's position rankings.

THREE UP

Antonio Gates, SD, vs. Denver: Tight ends have consistently found room to operate in the Broncos' secondary, including two trips to the end zone in their last four games. While he hasn't scored since Week 4, Gates is as active as ever in the Chargers' offense with 48 catches and team-highs of 66 targets and 550 yards. Given his role in the offense and the likelihood of Philip Rivers throwing early and often, Gates is in good position to snap his personal scoreless streak.

Jordan Reed, WAS, at Minnesota: Simply put, the Vikings have struggled to defend the pass, and that includes both wide receivers and tight ends. Minnesota ranks 29th in the NFL in pass defense and has allowed 18 passing scores in eight games. Seven of those touchdowns have gone to opposing tight ends, which bodes well for Reed. The rookie has a secure role in the Redskins' passing attack and a better-than-average shot at a TD this week.

Garrett Graham, HOU, at Arizona: Assuming Graham (thigh) is active this week, he stands a good chance of finding the end zone for the first time since Week 4. The Cardinals struggle against the pass and allow the most fantasy points to tight ends, including big performances by Vernon Davis and Zach Miller in the last three weeks. Graham has been quiet since taking over for injured Owen Daniels, but could make a big statement in Week 10.

THREE DOWN

Julius Thomas, DEN, at San Diego: Thomas is hobbled by an ankle injury and facing the possibility of being the odd man out in the Broncos' offense this week. The Chargers haven't allowed a touchdown to an opposing tight end in their last seven games. Meanwhile, Broncos wideouts should have no trouble finding room against a defense that ranks 27th against the pass (275 ypg) and has allowed the second-highest opponents' completion percentage (68.2 percent) in the NFL.

Coby Fleener, IND, vs. St. Louis: For all their faults, the Rams defend the pass well and get after the quarterback. In particular, this unit has held opposing tight ends to six catches or fewer in all nine of its games and has allowed just one tight end, Jason Witten, to eclipse the 50-yard mark. Fleener's production has been erratic, anyway; a stiff test against the Rams should be ground for benching.

Jared Cook, STL, at Indianapolis: Since going off for 141 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, Cook has averaged three catches for 34 yards in his last eight games. That includes a return to the scoring column in Week 9 against the Titans, when he hauled in three passes (on six targets) for 36 yards and a touchdown. Given the trend of low yardage totals and the Colts' ability to cover opposing tight ends (just 1 TD this season), Cook looks like a bench option.

WAIVER WATCH

Tyler Eifert, CIN, at Baltimore: There's at least an outside chance that the Bengals' tight end dynamic changes for the better this week. Veteran Jermaine Gresham is nursing a groin injury and is currently listed as questionable for a matchup with the Ravens. If he can't go, Eifert gets an opportunity to absorb a handful more targets; it'd be nice to see what the prized rookie can do with them.